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NZ ON AIR GOES PLATINUM PLUS

New Zealand music has reached another major milestone, with the sale of the millionth NZ On Air-funded album under the Phase Four initiative.

In 2000 NZ On Air launched the Phase Four Plan to boost the amount of New Zealand music played on commercial radio.

"As a 50/50 partnership between NZ On Air and record companies, Phase Four has made and marketed better albums than either of us could have done on our own," said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson.

Since its inception, Phase Four has helped fund 135 albums by artists who are now household names including Nesian Mystik, Goldenhorse, Bic Runga, Opshop, goodshirt, the feelers, Elemeno P, Evermore, Brooke Fraser, The Black Seeds and Anika Moa as well as exciting and, in some cases, audacious new artists like Cut Off Your Hands and Tiki Taane.

"To date, 80 of the albums have been released – delivering 266 radio hits between them. That's a 95% radio hits strike-rate from the scheme and New Zealand music content on commercial radio is now up around the 20% mark.

"That the Phase Four albums have now also sold more than a million copies in New Zealand is enormously exciting for the industry and for New Zealand music fans. It's 'platinum plus' in US terms."

"NZ On Air is charged with ensuring broadcasting continues to play a positive role in promoting New Zealand's culture and identity. Simply put, it's about getting more New Zealand music played on the radio so that more New Zealanders get to hear it.

"While we're all about airplay, sales are an important benchmark of success and 1,000,000 sales is something to celebrate.

"We are very proud of our contribution to help bring home-grown music to Kiwis on the airwaves," Ms Wrightson said.